Taking the Tov Way

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the story of the man born blind in John 9 , using it as a lens to explore how faith requires both trust and action. We begin by looking at the concept of light —how it was present at the beginning of creation but was cut off due to sin, leaving humanity in spiritual darkness. Yet, Jesus, the Light of the World ( John 8:12 ), came to restore that light, not...

In this episode of Taking the Tov Way , we explore the story of the adulterous woman in John 8:1-11 and how it illustrates the tension between the law and grace. We delve into the Pharisees’ flawed understanding of righteousness, contrasting it with Jesus’ perfect standard of grace. Together, we unpack what it means to live a life of surrender, trusting God’s perfect will, and bearing the fruit of...

This episode is all about the vision that God has for you in 2025. We dive into the importance of trusting God’s timing, seeking His will, and surrendering to His plans, even when His ways differ from our expectations. As we continue our study of John, studying Jesus’ life in John 7, we explore how Jesus intentionally moved in secrecy, not for public approval but in obedience to God’s timing, insp...

Well y’all, we made it!! H A P P Y N E W Y E A R ! ! It’s officially that time of year when we’ll be writing the wrong date for the next few weeks. I know I’m not the only one who’ll still be living in 2024 on paper until at least January 29! But even if I mess up the year on paper, in my heart, I know that 2025 is here , and I’m beyond excited to kick it off with YOU. Today, we’re starting The Go...

In this episode, we explore the depth of John 6, where Jesus reveals Himself as the Bread of Life, the only One who can truly satisfy our deepest needs. We reflect on how self-focus, misaligned expectations, comparison, a desire for “more,” and misinterpretation of God’s work can cause us to miss what He’s offering. Through these scriptures, we’re reminded to trust God’s provision, align our desir...

Episode Summary : In this episode, we explore the transformative power of God’s mercy through the lens of John 5:1-14, where Jesus heals a man at the pool of Bethesda. Together, we reflect on how mercy not only meets our immediate needs but also restores us to the wholeness (tov) we were created for. Through examples like Nehemiah’s prayer (Nehemiah 1) and the story of the blind men in Matthew 9:2...

In this episode, we dive into John 4 and Jesus' life-changing encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. We explore the profound offer of living water —a gift freely given by God, offering eternal satisfaction and transformation through the Holy Spirit. This living water requires a response of surrender, leading us into a life of worship and truth, guided by the Spirit. We also reflect on wha...

In this episode, we explore what it means to be *born again* and the spiritual transformation that occurs through the Holy Spirit. Diving into John’s Gospel, we reflect on Jesus’ words about being “born of water and the Spirit,” and why this new birth is essential to experience real life with God. We discuss repentance, the battle between the Spirit and the flesh, and the journey of aligning our l...

In this episode, we dive deep into Jesus’ heart for truth and true worship, reflecting on His first public miracle at the wedding in Cana and His passionate cleansing of the temple. By turning water into wine, Jesus shows us the fullness of God’s provision, challenging us to surrender our old understandings (symbolized by water pots) and allow His Spirit to transform our hearts with new insight, h...

In this episode, I start by sharing a deeply personal story about my dad’s heart attack and the journey our family has walked since that day. His healing process has been filled with moments where God moved in unexpected, unconventional ways—ways we didn’t always understand. Through it, our faith has grown, and we’ve had a firsthand invitation to experience God’s presence and miracles in ways that...

We live in the age of influence. I remember when dreams of being doctors, lawyers, firefighters, police officers, and even the president of the United States were common. But if you ask students today, you’ll hear something different—content creator, YouTuber, influencer, TikToker—and, of course, many aspiring professional athletes. The crazy thing is — God calls us to live lives of content creati...

This season, we’re diving deep into the life of Jesus through the Gospel of John, discovering what it truly means to choose the Tov Way—a life fully submitted to and following Jesus. Whether you’re on a journey of faith or simply curious, I’m thrilled to have you with us as we explore His life and the transformation it offers. The Tov Way | A Christian Blog about The Good Life God's Way is a reade...

In this episode, MJ talks about the beginning. John 1:1 tells us that, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” If you've ever picked up the Bible, I’m sure these words sound familiar—they echo those in Genesis 1:1: 'In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.' Before anything existed, there was God, and everything came into being through Him. ...

Hey y’all! I’m so excited to kick off Season 2 with this lesson on How to Study the Bible! I’ve created a guide to help you as you go through your intimate time with Jesus! This season, we’re diving deep into the life of Jesus through the Gospel of John, exploring what it really means to choose the Tov Way—the way of living a life fully submitted to and following Jesus. Whether you’re on a journey...

I have been reading.. and re-reading Psalm 139 for a couple of weeks now. It’s one of my favorite scriptures that talks about the omniscience of God, specifically as it pertains to us — His Children. His Handiwork. His Image Bearers. I don’t think there is ever a time where it is not important for us to marvel at the distinctiveness of our Creator God. To see Him in a way that is radically amazing...

In my effort to increase my own faith through consistent prayer… not just when times are hard, but throughout every season of life, I’ve come to find that praying is just about… for lack of a better phrase, “spittin’ bars.” And no, I’m not talking about creating a rhythmic flow to perform to God when I spend time with Him… or quoting a glamorous prayer that appeals to God. I’m talking about real B...

Hey family! In the last episode of Taking the Tov Way’s first season, MJ talks about resting in the work of God. The thing about being on God’s team is that He gives rest to those who constantly pursue Him. It seems contradicting doesn’t it. But that’s just like God to call things wise that look foolish to men. Our pursuit of peace with others and for holiness gives us access to see Him in all of...

In light of the recent NBA draft that took place last week, MJ talks about what happens after we’ve been drafted onto God’s very own team, The Unshakable Kingdom. The only difference between getting drafted by the NBA, there is nothing that we can do in our own strength and performance that will land us a spot on God’s team of faithful endurance. It is only through grace that we have the opportuni...

In this episode, MJ continues the discussion about running the race of faith, what does it really mean to have faith in God — and why it is important that we look to Jesus as the source of the faith that we have in Him – our Bread of Life.  Hebrews 11-12 are key chapters in the Bible that give us some of the answers that we need when we are really determined to Take The Tov Way. We pray that what...

In this Bonus Episode, MJ talks about the necessity of taking in the Bread of Life, which is the Word of God daily. In Hebrews 12, we are told to run with endurance the race set out for us. To run this race we NEED fuel The Word of God won’t always make you feel good… it won’t always equate to your happiness. You won’t always like how it tastes… or have the appetite for it. But it is your duty to...

In this powerful episode on how to desire and crave an appetite for God, MJ talks about what it means to truly taste and feast on the Lord… In John 6, Jesus tells the crowds, “I am the Bread of Life… For the Bread of God is He who comes down from Heaven and gives life to the world… “ Jesus knows that in our own strength, we can do nothing. We need Him to help us see that what the world offers noth...

In this episode, MJ continues the talk we had during Tuesday’s Tov Talks segment about being the bride of Christ. She talks about marriage and divorce in today’s society and how easily we abandon the vows that we make to each other for the sake of happiness… instead of fighting through it and finding enjoyment in what God is trying to do in us and through us. The main scripture of focus is found i...

In this Bonus Tov Talks segment, MJ talks about her background with her history of people-pleasing and how the relationship with her husband caused a shift in the way she thought about herself, similar to the way that the Church should change as we are being transformed as the Bride of Christ. Check out the bonus video of Corey and Maya’s wedding trailer on Substack! They will be celebrating 8 yea...

Welcome back to the Taking the Tov Way Podcast! In this episode, MJ changes focus from the one who needs to be healed to the Supernatural Healer. She talks about the importance of knowing the God we serve, the God who has healed us from the ultimate suffering sin — death. She revisits Charles Spurgeon’s sermon entitled, “ Do You Know Him? ” and breaks down Luke 17:11-19 in a way in which we all le...

In this Tov Talks segment, I share the many thoughts I have as I sit with God throughout my own spiritual journey so that you will be encouraged to take the Tov Way throughout your week as well. God wants total access to every part of our lives… so I pray that this will help you to continue to seek him in everything that you do, every day of your life! Today’s episode is about contending for the f...